International Festival of Wildlife and Nature Photography (Montier Photo Festival)
The world meeting for wildlife and nature photography
About Montier Photo Festival
The International Festival of Wildlife and Nature Photography of Montier-en-Der is the largest European event dedicated to nature and wildlife photography. Created in 1996 by the association AFPAN “l'Or Vert”, it brings together more than 40,000 visitors each year around more than 100 original exhibitions spread across 15 sites in the Lac du Der region. For four days in November, the festival offers conferences, screenings, an international photo competition, a equipment village, and a nature bookstore with 12,000 titles.
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The largest nature photography festival in Europe
Since its creation in 1996, the Montier Photo Festival has established itself as the international reference for wildlife and nature photography. Born from the initiative of a group of friends passionate about photography and wildlife, the festival began with the exhibition of the prestigious "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" competition from BBC Wildlife Magazine and the London Natural History Museum. In nearly thirty years, it has become a must-attend event that brings together over 40,000 visitors over four days.
An exceptional exhibition program
Each edition features over 100 original exhibitions spread across 15 sites throughout Montier-en-Der, Ceffonds, Droyes, Giffaumont-Champaubert, Saint-Dizier, and Vitry-le-François. The exhibitions combine large-format outdoor prints, backlit panels, and immersive installations. The biggest names in wildlife photography — Vincent Munier, Laurent Ballesta, Art Wolfe, Steve McCurry — have been invited as patrons over the years.
Conferences, screenings, and meetings
The festival offers nearly 80 hours of conferences, round tables, forums, and screenings in several dedicated spaces: the Agora of the COSEC, the Auditorium of the Halle au Blé (110 seats), and the Pôle socioculturel (300 seats). These events address major environmental issues — biodiversity, climate change, preservation of natural environments — as well as photographic techniques and exploration stories.
The international photo competition
The Montier Photo Festival organizes an international wildlife and nature photography competition open to photographers from all over the world. The award-winning works are exhibited during the festival and are the subject of a dedicated publication. Since 2010, submissions are made exclusively in digital format.
Equipment village and nature bookstore
A 1,000 m² equipment village hosts major optical and photographic equipment brands for demonstrations and trials. The nature bookstore, with over 12,000 titles, is one of the largest in France in the field of nature and photography.
A festival for all audiences
The 400 m² youth marquee offers activities specifically designed for children and schoolchildren, with over 3,500 students welcomed each year. Since 2017, the festival has also included the NightScapades, a section dedicated to astrophotography.
Montier Photo Festival — edition 2026
29th edition of the International Festival of Wildlife and Nature Photography in Montier-en-Der, from November 19th to 22nd, 2026.
2026 Edition — 29th Montier Photo Festival
The 29th edition of the International Festival of Wildlife and Nature Photography will be held from November 19th to 22nd, 2026, in Montier-en-Der and its surroundings. As every year, the festival will offer over 100 wildlife and nature photography exhibitions, conferences, round tables, screenings, an international photo competition, and an equipment village dedicated to optical and photography brands. The detailed program, theme, and patrons for this edition will be announced during 2026.
Prices Montier Photo Festival 2026
Practical information — Montier Photo Festival
Access and location
The main festival site is the COSEC in Montier-en-Der (52220 La Porte du Der), in the Haute-Marne department, Grand Est region. The 15 exhibition sites are spread across Montier-en-Der (7 sites), Giffaumont-Champaubert (4 sites), Ceffonds (1 site), Droyes (1 site), Saint-Dizier (1 site), and Vitry-le-François (1 site).
By car
Montier-en-Der is accessible from Paris (2h30 via A5/A26), Reims (1h30), Châlons-en-Champagne (45 min), or Saint-Dizier (20 min). Free parking is available near the main sites.
Shuttles
Free shuttles connect the different festival sites throughout the event.
Prices and ticketing
The prices are as follows:
- 1-day pass: €16
- 2 consecutive days pass: €28
- 3 consecutive days pass: €36
- 4-day pass: €47
- Reduced 1-day rate: €13 (ages 14-18, students, people with disabilities, groups of 15 or more)
- Sunday afternoon (from 12 p.m.): €10
- Children under 14: free
Online ticketing opens from September 15th. Tickets can be collected at Collège Jean Renoir (Montier-en-Der) or at UFOLEP (Giffaumont-Champaubert). Payment by credit card, cash, or check. Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the festival closing time.
Opening hours
The festival is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Main venues
- COSEC: main site with the Agora for round tables and the nature bookstore
- Halle au Blé: 110-seat auditorium for conferences
- Pôle socioculturel: 300-seat hall for screenings
- Youth marquee: 400 m² space dedicated to children's and school activities
- Casino Joa du Lac du Der: forums in Giffaumont-Champaubert
- Les Fuseaux: 11 rue Raoul Laurent, Saint-Dizier
Catering
Several catering outlets are available on the main sites, offering local, artisanal, and regional products from Champagne.
Contact and information
Association AFPAN “l'Or Vert”, 2A place Auguste Lebon, 52220 La Porte du Der. Phone: 03 25 55 72 84. Website: www.photo-montier.org
Practical advice
Bring warm clothing for the outdoor exhibitions in November. The festival is located near the Lac du Der-Chantecoq, the largest artificial lake in France, offering beautiful opportunities to discover the Champagne region's nature in addition to visiting the festival.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Montier Photo Festival
COSEC de Montier-en-Der
2A place Auguste Lebon, 52220 La Porte du Der, 52220 Montier-en-Der